A legal dispute surrounding early recordings by Black Sabbath has been resolved, with Sharon Osbourne confirming that the band has regained full ownership of a series of demos recorded in 1969, when they were still performing under the name Earth.
The conflict arose after former manager Jim Simpson attempted to release the material under the title Earth: The Legendary Lost Tapes. The recordings, restored from original tapes, document a formative period in the band’s history prior to their emergence as a defining force in heavy music.
According to Sharon Osbourne, a settlement has been reached that returns ownership of the recordings to the original lineup: Ozzy Osbourne, Tony Iommi, Geezer Butler and Bill Ward. This allows the band to determine how the material will be handled moving forward.
The recordings capture a markedly different sound compared to what the band would later become known for, reflecting blues rock and late-1960s psychedelic influences. This distinction has been highlighted as a key aspect of their historical significance.
In addition to the audio material, the agreement includes the return of previously unseen photographs from the same period. Sharon emphasized their importance not only for fans but also for the families of the band members.
While Jim Simpson had argued for the cultural relevance of the recordings and previously offered the band involvement in their release, the proposal was not accepted at the time. The resolution now places full control of the material with the band.
